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An emotional Andy Robertson paid a special tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool left back led Scotland to its first World Cup in nearly 30 years.
A dramatic night at Hampden Park saw former Liverpool coach Steve Clark and his side qualify for the next year’s tournament after a 4-2 win over Denmark - the first time the nation has reached the finals since 1998.
Robertson therefore becomes the first man to captain Scotland to a World Cup in 28 years, and the Reds’ vice-captain was right at the heart of the drama after his mistake looked as though it might have cost his side dearly.
After Scott McTominay gave the hosts the lead with a spectacular overhead kick, Robertson was adjudged to have fouled Gustav Isaksen after a long VAR check in the second half, with Rasmus Hojlund stepping up to equalize for Denmark.
The drama wasn’t over though, with Rasmus Kristensen sent off before Lawrence Shankland put Scotland back ahead, only for Patrick Dorgu to level moments later and put Denmark on the verge of qualifying, and the hosts on the verge of a spot in the play-offs.
Kieran Tierney’s stoppage-time goal though turned the game on its head yet again before Kenny McLean scored from inside his own half to confirm Scotland’s ticket to the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, and spark wild celebrations.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, a clearly emotional Robertson found it difficult to put the achievement into words.
“That just sums up this squad, never say die, we just keep going right to the end, and one of the craziest games of football, we certainly put the country through it!” Robertson said.
“But I’m sure it’ll all be worth it. We’re going to the World Cup, I can’t believe it.”
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Robertson then went on to pay a special tribute to Jota, who of course sadly died during the summer. The pair were great friends, with Robertson having attended Jota’s wedding just days before the car accident that cost him and his brother his life.
“I think I’ve hid it well, but today I’ve been in bits!” Robertson admitted. “I know with my age, this could be my last chance of a World Cup, I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head.
“We spoke so much together about the World Cup. When he missed out on Qatar because of injury, I missed out because Scotland never went, and we discussed what it would be like going to this World Cup.
“I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me tonight, and I just couldn’t get him out of my head the whole day, I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier.”
Summing up his feelings on a special night for his country, Robertson added: “This group of boys, this group of staff, honestly, it’s the best group I’ve ever been involved in. The manager’s speech before the game was unbelievable in the hotel.
“To do it for him, to do it for all of the staff, all the families, honestly, it’ll go down as one of the greatest nights of my life.”
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